Arson Ruled Out In I-20 Brush Fires

Arson has been ruled out in an investigation on multiple brush fires that shut down traffic on Interstate 20 on Thursday afternoon.

Arson Ruled Out In I-20 Brush Fires

DeKalb County Battalion Chief Winfred Smith oversaw crews at the scene and told Channel 2's Tony Thomas that the larger fires stretched across 50 to 60 acres. He first thought someone was behind the fires.

"Because we had multiple fires in the same area along I-20, which is unusual for several fires without any type of thunderstorms or nature, I would assume somebody was setting the fires," Smith said. "I think it was all intentionally set."

But Friday afternoon, investigators told Channel 2's Erin Coleman arson had been ruled out.

All westbound lanes on I-20 from Sigman Road in Rockdale County to I-285 in DeKalb County were closed while crews battled the fires. News Chopper 2 showed traffic flowing again at about 6:45 p.m. Thursday in eastbound lanes of I-20.

No injuries were reported.

About 40 firefighters in Bibb County also worked to put out another brush fire. That blaze did not threaten any homes.